Greek Corinthian Shard Group

The ovoid body decorated with a combat scene, band of tendrils and leaves to the shoulder and vertical bands to the slender neck, trumpet-shaped mouth, strap handle and discoid foot; the scene comprising three Hoplites, the first in tall-crested Corinthian helmet, cuirass and greaves, xiphos hanging on his right side, thrusting with his long spear over his ellipsoid shield towards the middle figure, running forwards but with his helmetted head turned towards his attacker, using his Boeotian shield to ward off the blow while manoeuvring his own spear blocked by the third figure advancing against him, with spear held underarm, with birds in flight above. 481 grams, 26.5 cm



Private collection, Southern Germany, acquired in 1960s. with Paul-Francis Jacquier, Numismatique Antique, Münzen und Kunst der Antique, 13 September 2013. Acquired by the present owner at the above sale. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12189-222313. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The clothing and weapons of the hoplites are detailed copies of hoplites of late decades of 6th century B.C. The left warrior wears a Corinthian helmet with a high crest, a richly decorated robe and greaves. His round Attic shield, from which a richly pleated chlamys hangs down, is decorated with large circles. The middle and the right hoplite wear Corinthian helmets with a lower crest, and also beautifully decorated robes and greaves. They hold very large, Boeotian-shaped shields with striking bundles of lightning and 'flames'. As a beautiful counterpart to the left fighter, the right warrior carries a chlamys with long folds over his shoulder.

A squat bowl with three stub feet and chamfered rim; repaired. 200 grams, 11 cm

Fine condition, repaired.

From an important central London collection formed since the mid 1960s; thence by descent. From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Modelled in the round as a mounted warrior, the stylised horse modelled standing on stub legs, with a long neck, the warrior holding a shield in his left hand, right hand and arm raised to eye level, wearing a crested helmet; restored and mounted on a custom-made display stand. 250 grams total, 13 cm including stand



Acquired before 1990. From an old German collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Terracotta figurines of horse and rider were common grave offerings in Boeotia, northwest of Attica, particularly during the 6th century B.C. Representations of warriors on horseback were already widespread in the Geometric Period, and also widely employed in Cyprus in this same period. The image of our rider, although influenced by Cypriot designs, does not show typical Cypriot characteristics, and indeed his kausia cap suggests a northern Greek origin.